History

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has remained an expert in mentoring since its founding in 1904. From its national headquarters in Philadelphia, the organization leads 500 agencies nationwide throughout the United States, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint.

Locally, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint has had a rich history of caring since the 1930's. Enthusiasm and a new way of thinking were exhibited through the efforts of local leaders, like Frank Manley, and groups such as the Mott Foundation. The agency was formally established in 1944. Originally known as the Flint Youth Bureau, under the auspices of the Flint Board of Education, the program was officially named Big Brothers of Greater Flint in 1961. Joe Ryder was the first Executive Director and remained with the program for twenty-three years.

The Big Sisters program was initiated in 1955, through the efforts of several groups including the Flint Women's Council and the Mott Foundation. This new idea offered services to build young girls' self-esteem. The Industrial Business Girls (IBG's) supplies the first group of fourteen Big Sisters. A year later, there were eighty-one Big Sister volunteers. In 1956, Florence Riddel was named the first Executive Director of Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County.

Always ready for new thinking, on January 1, 1985, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs merged to form one organization. Gary Haggart, previously Director of the Big Brothers program, became the Executive Director of the newly formed Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint. This new agency offered improved services to boys and girls from Flint and Genesee County, including the implementation of the Empower program.

Sylvester Jones, Jr. joined the agency as Executive Director in July of 2001. With more new and innovative ideas, he has guided the agency towards many improvements. Once a Little Brother, as well as a Big Brother, Sylvester's caring and idealism was the perfect match for even more new thinking.

During the years of 2002 - 2003, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint spent a considerable amount of time implementing Brand New Thinking and the results have been amazing. The Genesee County community continues to demonstrate their concern for the health and welfare of the children. The caring community continues to send the message that children deserve to connect with people who care about them and their future. Brand New Thinking is off to a wonderful start. With the help of volunteers who become Mentors knowing that they will make a difference, Brand New THinking will become a standard way of thinking about the Big Brothers Big Sisters experience.

During the coming year, you will hear much about "Little Moments Big Magic". "Little Moments Big Magic" will introduce to the community that lives are being changed right now. With their support, the ultimate outcome is realized when the child becomes a productive, caring adult, making Genesee County a family friendly community with more adults who care about children.